Readers whey-in: Creative ways to use protein powder

May 7, 7:09 PMFitness ExaminerStefan Pinto

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Photo of Stefan Pinto © 2009 - Gilla Roos Miami

Protein is a necessary dietary supplement. Amino acids, contained in protein are an essential part of all living organisms and comprise the structural components of body tissue, especially muscle. According to Dr. Lawrence Sosna, author of Whey Protein Facts and Applications, "Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine,' prescribed serum whey for full biological activity and its numerous health benefits. Now, all commercial whey proteins are derived from extensively processed milk and whey and incomparable to the vitality in that 2500 year-old prescription."

Protein is undeniably the number one body building supplement of all time. Here are just a few of the protein powders I have tried, and liked. They are all easily digestable and taste delicious. Use them in your shakes, smoothies or if you are looking for creative alternatives, check out some of these clever tips from readers - here's mine: mix in some Vega Whole Food to Fage's Total low or no-fat yogurt.

Un-Smoothie: some creative uses for protein powder by Examiner.com readers

Robert Belley -  before bed snack, 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder with 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, and a splash of coconut juice or 2 oz. of coconut milk.

Patricia Lorenz - as a meal substitute, 2 cups skim milk, 1 can Canfield's Diet Chocolate soda, 2 tbls. malt powder, 2 scoops chocolate protein powder.

Michael Glatter - add food extracts like mint and banana will add flavors to your protein shakes, try sugar free syrups like DaVinci's for flavor and no additional calories.

Michael Arnone - Tiger Fit Oatmeal 1/3 cup oatmeal, 1 tbsp of peanut butter, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 cup of water.

Elizabeth Brown - Hi Protein Milk 1 scoop protein powder per 4 cups milk, blend and store in the fridge. Use for cereal, coffee, etc.

Linda Dominguez - pancakes use low carb pancake mix, and add 1 scoop (about 1/3 cup) protein per serving.

Mark Peddigrew - chocolate yearnings add a couple of scoops of chocolate protein to sugar-free, fat-free chocolate pudding mix.

Dean Bozzano - protein cookies 3 ripe bananas. 2 cups rolled oats. 4-6 scoops of protein powder. ½ cup of skim milk or water, 1 cup raisins, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bake.

Marilyn DeMartini - sauces Use unflavored protein powder to add a nutritional kick to everything from Pesto to pudding.

Janet Groene - trail mix use protein powder, such as chocolate or chai, as a healthful, stealth ingredient in homemade trail mixes.

Libby Baney - toppings add on top of frozen waffles.

Alison Held - Protella mix chocolate whey protein with water and almond butter to create a Nutella consistency.

Matt Johnson - batter up pretty much add it to anything with batter.

Becky Williamson - strong oats add it to the cooked oatmeal. It creates a longer lasting meal for me.

Who knew?

According to Rich Julason, Jr a USA Cycling and Triathlon certified coach, "Unfortunately, cooking (i.e. heating) protein powders denatures the protein and your body won't be able to use it to build/repair muscle. The only potential benefit of cooking with a protein powder is if you are using it instead of a flour."